India vs South Africa: Second Test, Day 1

It had to be on the first day. It had to be on Eden Gardens. More than the numero uno position in Test cricket, it was the ego of being beaten all square at Nagpur spurred MSD and company to return the favours to South Africa. After Hashim Amla and Alviro Petersen consolidated the Proteas with respective centuries and a double ton stand for the second wicket, Zaheer Khan and then Harbhajan Singh worked in tandem to make the visitors dance to their tune. From a position of 218/1, South Africa was left tottering at 266/9 at the end of first day’s play.

Brief Scores:

South Africa (1st Innings): 266/9 (Petersen 100, Amla 114, Zaheer 3/77, Harbhajan 3/60)

India vs South Africa: Second Test, Day 1

It had to be on the first day. It had to be on Eden Gardens. More than the numero uno position in Test cricket, it was the ego of being beaten all square at Nagpur spurred MSD and company to return the favours to South Africa. After Hashim Amla and Alviro Petersen consolidated the Proteas with respective centuries and a double ton stand for the second wicket, Zaheer Khan and then Harbhajan Singh worked in tandem to make the visitors dance to their tune. From a position of 218/1, South Africa was left tottering at 266/9 at the end of first day’s play.

Perhaps, the wicket at Eden Gardens helped to India’s cause too. It was absolutely necessary for India to gain the advantage on the first day itself to think of putting the pressure on South Africa in the second Test and salvage the series. Closer to tea, Zaheer started the downfall and then continued by Harbhajan. Zaheer was in his elements as usual with the old ball. But it was good to see Harbhajan regain his touch. The dip, the flight, the turn or the straighters were back in his armour. The wicket responded well. The crowd went frenzy, though the stadium was full with only 35% capacity.

It’s a dream come true for any player to play at the Eden Gardens, with the capacity one lac crowd cheering or jeering. But it isn’t an easy task. For SA debutante Petersen, it looked like he mustered the art of ignorance, but for the more seasoned campaigners like de Villiers, Kallis, Duminy and Boucher, the Indian bowlers would also like to thank the vociferous Eden gathering, with only 35000 voices, who just forced the SA middle-order to a near nervous breakdown.

India would do good to hold on to this advantage and gain momentum on a pitch which is devoid of any demon. Induction of Laxman, who has some fond memories of the ground, must have bolstered the Indian middle order, which also meant that there were rooms for only four front line bowlers. Sreeshanth had to sit out despite being called for the second test.

Brief Scores:

South Africa (1st Innings): 266/9 (Petersen 100, Amla 114, Zaheer 3/77, Harbhajan 3/60)